Media Release: Families urged to turn their trash into treasure

FAMILIES across Scotland are being encouraged to give their unwanted sports and musical equipment a new lease of life by recycling it via local community groups.

A new initiative – The Big Drop – will see radio stations across Scotland collect items such as drum kits and tennis rackets from people and re-distribute them to new homes.

The Bauer radio group, which includes Radio Forth and Radio Clyde, has teamed up with the Scottish Government’s Go Greener campaign and the Community Recycling Network for Scotland as a way of encouraging people to recycle unwanted items for the benefit of the local community and the environment.

The Big Drop was launched by Forth 1 Breakfast Show presenter, Arlene Stewart, and Pauline Hinchion, chief executive of the Community Recycling Network for Scotland, today (Monday, January 18th) at the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative in Canonmills, Edinburgh.

Arlene said: “We know Forth listeners have a strong sense of community spirit and we are keen to tap into this by encouraging them to recycle items they no longer use.

“We’ve all got stuff in the loft or the garage that’s simply gathering dust, whether that’s a guitar, a bike or a set of skis. We’re encouraging our listeners to clear out their clutter and help us to help local groups and charities to benefit from their unwanted goods.

“An aspiring rock star or wannabe Andy Murray gets the equipment they need to get started and you get a bit more space back in your loft – it’s a win-win situation.”

Radio stations across the country – Radio Forth, Radio Clyde, Northsound, Radio Tay, Moray Firth Radio, West Sound and Radio Borders – are looking for any unwanted musical equipment, from recorders to drum kits, and sports kit such as tennis rackets, dumb bells and bikes.

By donating the unwanted items, families can not only free up valuable space at home but also do their bit for the environment by reducing waste and reducing the need to manufacture new goods, help keep CO2 emissions to a minimum.

The equipment will be given to local people who can put it to better use, for example aspiring musicians or local youth groups.

Welcoming the campaign, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “We all have a role to play in realising our vision of a Zero Waste Scotland and this scheme is a great example of how we can work towards achieving that vital goal. After receiving gifts at Christmas, many of us will have things we no longer need and recycling unwanted sports and musical equipment is a great way of helping others and the environment.

“While we all settle into 2010, we should all consider what we can recycle now.”

Unwanted items can be dropped off at any of the local Bauer radio stations between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS) represents more than 130 community recycling and reuse organisations committed to zero waste. Donated items will be distributed to new homes via local groups such as Blythswood Care in Glasgow, the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative and The New Hope Trust in Aberdeen.

Pauline Hinchion, chief executive of the CRNS, said: “The Big Drop is a great way to get people thinking about reuse. As well as benefitting local charities and individuals, passing on unwanted items helps the local environment by preventing their disposal in landfill, and helps to create local jobs through collection, repair and delivery services.

“Donating musical instruments and sports equipment is just the start. If people want to rummage more deeply, they can pass on all sorts of household items, such as furniture, white goods and electrical appliances, directly to our members who will put them to good use in their communities.”

For more information and tips about how to do your bit for a Greener Scotland, visit www.infoscotland.com/gogreener.

ENDS

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of the Scottish Government. For more information, contact Elaine Brewer on 0141 333 9585 / 07795 435 484 or Elaine.brewer@bigpartnership.co.uk

Notes to editors:

The Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS) represents more than 130 community recycling and reuse organisations committed to zero waste. Members create real social, environmental and economic benefits for their local communities and for Scotland. For more information, including the contact details of members who will accept donations of other household goods and furniture, see http://www.crns.org.uk/index/the-big-drop. Or contact Susan Wright, media and communications manager, on 07887 752831 or susan@crns.org.uk

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